Day at the Beach

Today I cast drafts and preparation for the final weeks of the semester aside and went to the beach with Liz and Robin for a girl's day out at the Sawdust Arts Festival.
We had a smashing time.
Despite our qualms, given the great crush of tourists who have descended on Laguna at this time of year, all intent upon going to the arts festivals and covering every inch of sidewalk, road, and beach, we were able to find a place to park along PCH and ate wonderful mostly vegan tacos (blackened phish and blackened mushroom and tofu, and an anomalous calimari taco) and to walk across town to the festival instead of trying to board a free shuttle to get there. It was an absolutely beautiful day, not hot and not cold. The marine layer had blown or burned away, and I burned too; forgot to put my sunscreen on or even to bring a hat! But I'm okay, if a bit burny.
The arts festival was fun. We listened to live music, spoke to the craftspeople, including a friend, photographer John Genesta, Robin's cousin by marriage. His wife, a jewelry maker, was not there today, unfortunately. I had often exchanged emails with her, and a vain promise to get together, so today I wanted to try to make that happen. Maybe another time.
Liz bought a toe ring to help her keep her phalanges in line during yoga practice and I bought a small print to hang on the bathroom wall at home.
We talked, and laughed, and had a wonderful day. I hope we can do it again soon.